Learn about the 60+ degrees and programs we offer. And discover the outstanding enrichment opportunities available to you.

Overview

With a variety of choices for students to study, the Trades and Technical department at Montana Tech encompasses many hands on career options. Students of this department get the advantage of the integration of technology, communications, problem solving and technical skills. Skills learned here are sure to provide occupational growth and lifelong learning.

Aerospace Welding Technology

The Aerospace Welding Program at Highlands College prepares students to quickly enter the workforce with the program's industry partner Montana Precision Products, which is actively hiring aerospace welders to achieve a significant growth plan in place at the Butte-based business.

Automotive Technology

Modern engineering technology and manufacturing have transformed the automobile from a relatively elementary system to a complex mechanical and electronic marvel. This program requires a sound educational background for the technician who must diagnose malfunctions, operate test equipment and correct problems throughout the entire automotive system.

Civil Engineering

Graduates of this program are prepared to assist professional engineers in a wide variety of projects from transportation, to sewer and water supply, to material testing. The program has a strong math and science foundation reinforced with communication, computers, and area focused electives. Hands- on training provides the student with significant real world experience while enrolled in the program. This program is an excellent way for anyone interested in the engineering field to receive concentrated training in two years and be ready to enter the work force.

Contruction Technology

The program coursework will provide the student with a mix of technical education, general studies, theory and hands-on learning experiences. As students progress in the program they will gain the knowledge and ability to draft; read and interpret building codes for a set of construction blueprints; estimate the amount of material and time required to construct a building with the use of handbooks, spreadsheets and prevailing wage tables. Students will learn how to layout a building on a site and “attach” the building to the site with concrete footings and foundation walls. Students will then progress through the floor, wall and roof framing, exterior and interior finishing, door and window installation and roofing.

Drafting Technology

The Drafting Technology program prepares the students for work in industry as drafters. The student is able to prepare clear, complete and accurate working drawings similar to those used in industry. The student applies the knowledge of various machines, engineering practices, mathematics, and building materials to complete a set of drawings. Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) is also utilized during all semesters using industry standard software and hardware.

Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation is a rapidly growing field of study. Currently there is no other Associate of Applied Science Degree in Historic Preservation Technology offered in the state or surrounding states. The Historic Preservation degree will help students to become proficient in technological skills, communication, problem solving, and informational literacy by incorporating these key areas in virtually every class. The specialty courses such as stained glass or plaster will build each of the four areas just by the nature of the course.

Machining Technology

Machining Technology teaches students both the science and art of machining. The Highlands Machining Technology Certificate Program allows students to complete the required 41 credits in two semesters and enter the workforce with valuable college credential in the shortest time possible.

Metals Fabrication

Completion of the metals fabrication program prepares students to work in an environment constructing major project such as utility trailers, pipelines, manufacturing, industrial construction and repairing heavy equipment. Students are taught to produce these projects by drawing and following various blueprints, diagrams and specification. Products progress from the conceptual stage to completion by using arc, gas, MIG, TIG, and Plasma welding combined with lathe and milling machine applications.

Pre-Apprenticeship Line Program

This one-semester certificate program prepares students to be successful in applying for groundmen and apprentice positions within the line trade. It was developed in response to a nation-wide shortage of skilled line workers. A recent survey of the Montana utility industry indicates that there will be a significant need (40-50 new apprentice positions per year) for individuals holding skills offered by this training for at least the next decade, and the industry expects that this trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

Welding Technology

Students of the CAS in Welding Technology will learn the skills needed to pass the AWS Level I SENSE Certification. The program structure allows students to complete the required 41 credits by attending both a fall and spring semester and enter the workforce with a valuable and legitimate college credential in the quickest time possible.